Ethical Scenario 4

Would your actions be any different if this was a conscious 35 year old male refusing a blood transfusion necessary to save their life?

Average Candidate Response

The age of the patient would not affect my management approach.

With the patient being over 18, they have the right to decide what management approach to take.

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Excellent Candidate ResponsePatient age is a vitally important factor, and for patients over the age of 18, one should presume capacity until proven otherwise. In this case, it would be important to assess the capacity of the 35 year old gentleman by determining whether they are able to understand, retain, weigh up and relay the important information pertaining to their refusal of a blood transfusion.

If the gentleman had capacity, I would have to respect their decision as one cannot override the decision of a capacitous adult (even if I believe that it is incorrect, and will lead to their likely death).